Casa do Médico de São Rafael

I was struck by how carefully everything was chosen, from the building materials and decor to the cutlery. There’s a lot of space, and the rooms are bright and clean. The hotel sits high on a hill, so it’s peaceful and private, though still an easy walk into town. The staff were genuinely kind and accommodating, which is rare to see across the board. Breakfast had a good, sensible selection, all local, handmade and fresh, without piles of food going to waste. If you’re tired of places that only look fancy, this one is an experience worth having.

The people here made the stay feel warm and homely. Olha and Maria at breakfast were so lovely, and the blonde woman at reception was a kind soul too. We were welcomed so warmly, and it’s rare to find that sort of care these days. The rooms were great, breakfast was amazing, and the view was extraordinary. The location is right in the center, and the hotel feels far nicer than its three stars suggest.

I organized two company events at Casa do Médico, and everything went perfectly. The team handled it at a consistently high level, so I’d recommend the hotel and restaurant for events. The staff were professional and helpful throughout. Thank you!

The front desk service was excellent, especially Innes, and it was lovely to arrive to port and pastal de nate. My deluxe room was spacious, though the walk-in shower could use some improvement. The gym was disappointing: just a few machines in two small rooms, and not all of them worked, unlike what the website showed. Luckily, there’s a promenade for running and bikes to hire. The hotel sits higher up the hill with great views, and both the exterior and interior are stunning. The tasteful decor suits the history of this accommodation, founded by an order of Doctors. Check out the library and staircase. Breakfast was small but had plenty of options, while dinner came in good portions and was very tasty.